For extreme manoeuvrability, nothing beats the strategic placement of two or three turning axles. Now the Tridem concept is available with the new air suspension that’s purpose designed for construction work.

Tighter turning circles are not only useful in tight spaces. Product manager Peter Frleta explains how the biggest saving often turns out to be time. “It doesn’t have to be a hairpin bend, just a sharp turn in the road can mean having to stop, turn, reverse and turn again. But with a Tridem this is rarely a problem. It even means you can drive into a tiny residential area and unload into a garden.” And the time saved when turning increases productivity for the operator.

Tipping stability is excellent

Tridem with air suspension

“We are recommending the Tridem for construction work on both road and gravel. With the new air suspension and increased ground clearance, it makes a very versatile truck. And with strong stabilizer bars on three axles just below the load – tipping stability is excellent,” says Peter Frleta as product planner Bosse Franzon enters the room.

“If you’re unladen and raise a tag axle to save fuel it also gives you better traction on the drive wheels. Then the combination of higher ground clearance and a raised tag axle make it easier to climb steeper hills without getting stuck.”

On and off the road

“Often one inter-axle diff lock is enough to get the Tridem through some very slippery terrain,” says Peter Frleta. “And if you have to drive on-road as well it gives you the best of both worlds. Manoeuvrability with comfort on a chaotic construction site and manoeuvrability with lower fuel consumption on the road.”

Saving fuel and driver

Because construction work usually means driving unladen at least half the time, the opportunity to lift up an axle can bring important fuel savings. And in view of the discomfort when bumping around a construction site with an empty truck, air suspension can save the driver a lot of wear and tear.

The last word

Bosse Franzon explains that the Tridem concept comes from Scandinavia and that Sweden is one of the countries that often begins a new construction project by laying the road. “The beauty of Tridem is that it can be used efficiently on different surfaces and situations – even in the tightest of corners.”

At this, Peter Frleta raises his fist and declares, “More axles for construction.”